BRINGING YOU CAJUN & ZYDECO SINCE 1993
We're back for the 31st season of Let's Zydeco music and dance events!
Mark your calendars for:
- Friday, April 25th, 2025 — Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers
Stay informed about upcoming events!
Follow us on Instagram: @letszydeco
To join our email list, e-mail [email protected], or call 917-208-2432
Upcoming shows
Friday, April 25, 2025
COREY ARCENEAUX & THE ZYDECO HOT PEPPERS
Come for fantastic music, dancing and a good time at Connolly's!
Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco musician ... born into a famous musical family which includes the legendary Fernest Arceneaux & Rodney Bernard. He was surrounded by the zydeco greats his whole life. Cory picked up the accordion at age 10, and in 1994 he was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Performer" in the Zydeco People's Choice Awards.
His first LETS ZYDECO NYC show in 2023 was fabulous!!!! Corey Arceneaux is what many people call a new breed of zydeco musicians. With a creative blend of R&B, enhanced with a traditional zydeco style ... and with his band "The Hot Peppers" .... it's gonna be a Hot Louisiana Night in NYC!
Connolly’s Pub (Times Square)
121 W 45th Street. 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036
Tasty and reasonably priced dining & full bar
Experience top level sound & sprung wooden dance floor
- Doors Open: 6:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
- Complimentary Dance Lesson: 7:15 PM
- Music: 8:00 PM to 11:00 / 11:30 PM
- Admission: $25
- Tickets: At the door or on Eventbrite
- Parking: Metered street parking after 6 PM
- Best garage: The Edison-Hippodrome Park/Fast on 44th between 5th and 6th Ave.
PREVIOUS SHOWS
Sign up for email updates by emailing [email protected], or for more info, call (917) 208-2432
Saturday, March 8th, 2025
C.J. CHENIER &
the RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
Come to a Mardi Gras Ball!
Free Beads! Masks & Costumes encouraged!
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco,"
Grammy Nominated - 2011
www.officialcjchenier.com
Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER
Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar -
Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
"Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
SUNDAY, February 9, 2025
NATHAN & THE ZYDECO CHA-CHAS
Ain't Nothing But a Party
Nathan Williams' blend of zydeco follows the bluesy tradition started by Clifton Chenier. His R & B infected grooves reflect an easy going danceability that has made his versions of "Steady Rock" and "Your Mama Don't Know" hits in South Louisiana. Nathan & his band are simply one of the best zydeco groups playing today, matching superb musicianship and clever songs with a knack for keeping dancers on the floor. Nathan's compositions offer a rich experience for listeners as well as dancers, often incorporating touches of reggae, R & B, and rock.
What the critics are saying:
"Williams pushes the simple, R&B-infected music into near pop perfection by placing strong melodies over the classic syncopated rhythms. As a songwriter Williams cannot be beat."
—
Boston Globe, Clea Simon
"
One of the nation's premier dance bands. Where younger zydeco stars music pumps his swings." — Blues Rag, Joan Keenan
"Tooting saxophones, chicken scratch on the rubboard and zesty guitar licks that would make Snooks Eaglin proud. Hotter than Tobasco sauce on a crawdad."
—
Syracuse New Times, Allen Czelusniak
Saturday, January 18, 2025
RED ACES
Cajunesque with a Twist
"Irresistible Dance Grooves ... A Great Dance Band"
Red Aces is a favorite dance band, throwing down Louisiana-style Cajun, Cajun-country, and zydeco thrills for two-stepping and Louisiana swing dancing ..
This NYC-based group serves dance grooves, buzzy harmonies, and a full 6 piece sound, with ripping accordion, fiddle, and electric guitar riffs that hustle you to the dance floor and keep you there. Red Aces shows keep it moving with dancer-driven tunes and clever mash-ups that surprise and delight.
The music comes from a wide variety of eras and styles — from a 1960's girl-band number to arrangements of old country songs to original bangers to pretty traditional Louisiana dance tunes — but the sound is uniquely Red Aces.
Friday, December 6th, 2024
CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE
"TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK" ... TIME OUT NY
"Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" —Times of Acadia
curleytaylor.com
Son of the famous Jude Taylor, Curley Taylor has generated widespread acclaim in his own right. A previous NYC Let's Zydeco show at Connollys was featured in TIME OUT New York as the "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK"
What the critics are saying:
"Curley's fourth CD (Zydeco Heart and Soul) is his most groundbreaking yet. He's part of the movement ushering in a new era of zydeco."– Dan Willging, Offbeat Magazine
"Some describe Curley taylor as a rising star, but to be candid, he is a star that has already risen. His incomparable talent as a musician is a rarity. Taylor's 'skill and will' to succeed is unbelievable to those who don't know him. If the elevator to success would break down, Taylor would take the stairs." – Rev. C.J. Bell, Alexandria News Weekly
Friday, November 15, 2024
DENNIS STROUGHMATT
& CREOLE STOMP
A Cajun Creole Honkytonk Party!
Creole Stomp has captured the ears and the feet of Louisiana music fans across North America. Led by French-speaking Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco dance tunes.
Creole Stomp shows have become legendary for the heart and passion conveyed from the stage—music with emotion and energy that literally jumps from the band. In fact, over the years the band has become informally known as “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music,” for their well-oiled, dancer-driven, crowd-pleasing marathon jams and improvisation. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues and mazurkas.
A favorite on the Cajun-zydeco dance circuit, the band has also become a celebrated fixture at venues around the United States, ranging from park concerts and theaters to folk and blues festivals. No matter the venue, wherever they come from, and wherever they go, Creole Stomp is a band that knows how to throw a Louisiana party!
Saturday, May 11th, 2024
COREY ARCENEAUX & THE ZYDECO HOT PEPPERS
Come for fantastic music, dancing and a good time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!
Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco musician ... born into a famous musical family which includes the legendary Fernest Arceneaux & Rodney Bernard. He was surrounded by the zydeco greats his whole life. Cory picked up the accordion at age 10, and in 1994 he was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Performer" in the Zydeco People's Choice Awards.
His first LETS ZYDECO NYC show in 2023 was fabulous !!!! Corey Arceneaux is what many people call a new breed of zydeco musicians. With a creative blend of R&B, enhanced with a traditional zydeco style ... and with his band "The Hot Peppers" .... it's gonna be a Hot Louisiana Night in NYC!
Connolly’s Pub (Times Square)
121 W 45th Street. 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036
- Doors: 6:30 PM for dinner, drinks or socializing
- Complimentary Dance Lesson: 7:15 PM
- Music: 8:00 PM to 11:00 / 11:30 PM
- Admission: $25
- Tickets at the door or on EventBrite
- Parking: Metered street parking all day
- Best garage: The Edison-Hippodrome Park/Fast on 44th between 5th and 6th Ave.
Friday, April 12th, 2024
CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE
"TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK" ... TIME OUT NY
"Taylor may be the freshest act to come along since Beau Jocque" —Times of Acadia
curleytaylor.com
Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor
Son of the famous Jude Taylor, Curley Taylor has generated widespread acclaim in his own right. A previous NYC Let's Zydeco show at Connollys was featured in TIME OUT New York as the "TOP LIVE SHOW IN NEW YORK"
What the critics are saying:
"Curley's fourth CD (Zydeco Heart and Soul) is his most groundbreaking yet. He's part of the movement ushering in a new era of zydeco."– Dan Willging, Offbeat Magazine
"Some describe Curley taylor as a rising star, but to be candid, he is a star that has already risen. His incomparable talent as a musician is a rarity. Taylor's 'skill and will' to succeed is unbelievable to those who don't know him. If the elevator to success would break down, Taylor would take the stairs." – Rev. C.J. Bell, Alexandria News Weekly
Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
THE LUSTRE KINGS
Rockabilly at its best!
lustrekings.com
Watch their video: https://youtu.be/xYua80pUKoE
We're thrilled to be welcoming one of the top Rockabilly Dance Bands back to Connolly's. The Lustre Kings boast a devoted international fan base and they continue to tear up the road every year. Gamsjager has been a guest at prestigious venuxes ranging from the Kennedy Center to the Montreal Jazz Fest. The Lustre KIngs have accompanied Wanda Jackson, the famed "Queen of Rock" for many years, and frequently work with other seasoned artists like Bill Kirchen, Eddie Angel and Robert Gordon.
Wanda Jackson says, "I have worked with many bands around the world through the years, and none are better than Mark Gamsjager and the Lustre Kings. Their fine showmanship and musical ability make them the greatest in my book. THEY ROCK!!"
Friday, February 9th, 2024
C.J. CHENIER &
the RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
Come to a Mardi Gras Ball!
Free Beads! Masks & Costumes encouraged!
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco," Grammy Nominated - 2011 www.officialcjchenier.com
Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER
Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar -
Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
"Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
Saturday, January 20, 2024
L'IL MO & THE MONICATS
A Classic Country,
Rockabilly Swing,
Honky-Tonk Good Time!
www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats
Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.
The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs.
We hope to have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show! Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”
(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)
Sunday, December 3, 2023
RUBEN MORENO &
ZYDECO RE-EVOLUTION
Let's Zydeco Holiday Party
"A Rising Young Star" Peace, Love & Honky Tonk
"Best New Band" — 2012 Zydeco Music Awards
rubenmusik.com
Returning to NYC for our momentous 30th year season, Ruben Moreno is a talented and dedicated young Houston musician, with ideals and high values. We are delighted to include him in our current Lets Zydeco roster. At the ripe old age of 31 Ruben Moreno is a veteran of the musical road, having begun playing professionally at age 13, and hitting the road at age 15, playing Rubboard with some of Zydeco's greatest performers such as CJ Chennier, Leroy Thomas and Andre Thierry. Drawing on his rich musical roots, he brings a fresh new energy and vision to the Creole Zydeco he loves.
Ruben Moreno captures both the Louisiana and the Texas Zydeco sound. His shows have been energetic, amazing and inspiring. Visit his website and you will get a glimpse of "So who, exactly, is Ruben Moreno?"
Watch a video of Ruben Moreno showing how it's done on accordion at Eagles Hall in Alameda CA.
Friday, November 17, 2023
DENNIS STROUGHMATT
& CREOLE STOMP
A Cajun Creole Honkytonk Party!
Creole Stomp has captured the ears and the feet of Louisiana music fans across North America. Led by French-speaking Creole fiddler and accordionist Dennis Stroughmatt, Creole Stomp keeps listeners enthralled and dancers moving on the floor with a rollicking mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop, and traditional Cajun and zydeco dance tunes.
Creole Stomp shows have become legendary for the heart and passion conveyed from the stage—music with emotion and energy that literally jumps from the band. In fact, over the years the band has become informally known as “The Grateful Dead of Creole Music,” for their well-oiled, dancer-driven, crowd-pleasing marathon jams and improvisation. Traditional Louisiana Cajun two-steps, reels, and waltzes sizzle in the stew along with Creole blues and mazurkas.
A favorite on the Cajun-zydeco dance circuit, the band has also become a celebrated fixture at venues around the United States, ranging from park concerts and theaters to folk and blues festivals. No matter the venue, wherever they come from, and wherever they go, Creole Stomp is a band that knows how to throw a Louisiana party!
Friday, May 12, 2023
Corey Arceneaux & the Zydeco Hot Peppers
Come for fantastic music, dancing and a good time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!
Corey Arceneaux is a Louisiana born and bred zydeco musician ... born into a famous musical family which includes the legendary Fernest Arceneaux & Rodney Bernard.He was surrounded by the zydeco greats his whole life. Cory picked up the accordion at age 10, and in 1994 he was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Performer" in the Zydeco People's Choice Awards.
Corey Arceneaux is what many people call a new breed of zydeco musicians. With a creative blend of R&B, enhanced with a traditional zydeco style ... and with his band "The Hot Peppers" .... it's gonna be a Hot Louisiana Night in NYC
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco"
Grammy Nominated - 2011
www.officialcjchenier.com
Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER: http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH
Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar - Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist." "Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
L'IL MO & the MONICATS
www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats
A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky Tonk Good Time at Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound!
Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.
The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. We have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show!
Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”
(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)
Saturday, April 23, 2022
C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
"The Crown Prince of Zydeco"
Grammy Nominated - 2011
www.officialcjchenier.com
Let's Zydeco's 2014 Mardi Gras Show with C.J. Chenier highlighted in THE NEW YORKER: http://nyr.kr/1lnwoZH
Tasty & Reasonably priced dining - Full Bar -
Experience Top Level Sound & Sprung Wooden Dance Floor
Living Blues magazine hails him as "The best living zydeco singer and accordionist."
"Complex, driving rhythms force you to dance. A powerful, soulful vocal delivery forces you to listen" .. The Chicago Defender
To his legions of fans, he's the man whose music moves them deep in their souls, and to those who love to dance he's the man who makes holes in the soles of their shoes. He is the source of the infectious, rhythmic music fueling the wild dance parties that erupt whenever he plays. He is Clayton Joseph (C.J.) Chenier, son of legendary zydeco master and pioneer, Clifton Chenier.
Carrying on the legacy of his late father, "The King of Zydeco" Clifton Chenier, C.J. has been fronting the famous Red Hot Louisiana Band for almost 2 decades, reinvigorating the genre with his exceptional musicianship. C.J. Chenier records on the Alligator Label. He has garnered several "Zydeco Album of The Year" awards, consecutive Living Blues Critics awards, and a 1997 NAIRD Indie Award.
Saturday, April 9, 2022
L'IL MO & the MONICATS
A Classic Country, Rockabilly Swing, Honky Tonk Good Time
At Connolly's - Tasty Food - Full Bar - Wooden Dance Floor - Top Level Sound
www.reverbnation.com/lilmothemonicats
Monica Passin (Li’l Mo),brings her full band to Connolly’s on April 9th. It's a change up from our traditional zydeco bands... Li'l Mo and the Monicat's previous shows at Connollys have been highlighted as well as illustrated in The New Yorker, and I am personally really looking forward to this show.
The Monicats will keep you dancing to old-school country, rockabilly, swing, jump blues, and 60s pop-inspired songs. We have a special dance lesson with guest teacher Barry Koffler in the basic country western dance styles. Don’t miss what has now become an annual extra-special show!
Bill Kirchen, Titan of The Telecaster, wrote the liner notes the recent Monicats album, Whole Lotta Lovin’: “Boy, can she sing. Monica is a triple-threat, a chanteuse who can rock and write songs you swear you grew up with. This is the real deal, a captivating singer with soulful new material, and a voice that breathes life into some choice classics.”
(Photo: Li'l Mo & the Monicats at the late, great Two Boots Brooklyn by Misha Erwitt)
